Home Renovation - Lighting Trend & Tips

Lighting Trends in Home Renovation

When the time for home renovation comes, many people focus on the painting, the floorboards, the tiles and furniture of their home, but neglect to consider how important lighting can be. In fact, for many, home lighting is an afterthought.

Choosing the right lighting could make a huge difference in your home renovation. A home that is not well-lit, whether through a lack of natural or artificial light will appear cold and uninviting. Good lighting can help enhance your home’s features and create a warm and functional environment for you and your family.

Pendant Lights

Pendant lights represent the line between function and aesthetic. While a wall light or a down light serves a primarily utilitarian task – lighting – a pendant light can serve this task while adding a flash of color or break in the usual room layout.
They come in a variety of styles, designs, sizes, and colors – giving any renovator, a slew of options to choose from when looking to add to a room.
Recommend for: Kitchens. Pendants look great above the kitchen island or above the dining table.  

Is your pendant light for your living room, your kitchen, your bedroom – your children’s bedroom? While style choices ultimately come down to the taste of the buyer, certain types of pendants look better in different spaces, and also serve different uses – some for accent lighting, or feature lighting, while others are made for all purpose illumination.

We’ve compiled a Pendants By Room category for you, to make your choice a little easier.

Downlights

While pendant lights make a statement, downlights keep it simple. They sit flat against the ceiling, hidden and inconspicuous, and are the go-to for general lighting these days.
Whether you’re installing the new or replacing old, LED Downlights are affordable and energy efficient and are typically used to replace Halogen Downlights.
LED Downlights are available in MR16 Dimmable and non-Dimmable, Warm White or Cool White. The color chosen can drastically affect the atmosphere of the room.

If you’re not sure about what color temperature is best for you, take a look at the LED Tri-colour Down Lights.

Tri-colour Downlights

Tri-Colour downlights present a new innovation in downlight technology. Unlike downlights of the past - such as GU10s or MR16s, these need no transformer or special fittings. This downlight uses a direct connection to an AC power supply thanks to integrated control gear and provides an energy-saving alternative to luminaires that use halogen lamps.

Not only that but as the name suggests, this downlight comes with a tri-color option, using a switch at the back to choose between three of the most common color temperatures. No need to shop around for different bulbs based on your preference, as this light gives you the option of changing it from warm white, daylight and cool white. 

Recommend for: Bedrooms, Living Areas, Hallways.

LED Strip Lights

Strip lights are the oft-forgotten wild card for home lighting. Incredibly versatile, they can be installed on the underside of cupboards and benches to create a touch of ambiance, and even along the tops of ceilings.
Of course, those are just suggestions. Strip lights can be used on desks, beds, pathways. Most are able to be cut to the length you need and can run up to 5 meters. Here are some more suggestions for strip light placement: 

• Use them around the bathroom mirror or vanity. 
• Behind your bed headboard. 
• In your closet. 

Strip lights are fairly affordable, so don't be afraid to try them in your home! 

Decorative Bulbs

Decorative bulbs are the go-to choice for anyone wanting more than a simple globe. These bulbs mimic old fashioned filament lights, and can even be purchased in LED! Use them in your lamps clear and pendant lights to bring a rustic feel to your home. 

Lightonline the Lighting Experts with the hottest prices, a most colorful selection, and a massive range of LED globes online

LED Downlight Tri-Colour Dimmable 9W 750LM - Osram Compatible

LED Tri -Colour Dimmable Back Switch Downlight - 3000K/4000K/5000K

Tri-Colour downlights present a new innovation in downlight technology. Unlike downlights of the past - such as GU10s or MR16s, these need no transformer or special fittings. This downlight uses a direct connection to an AC power supply thanks to integrated control gear and provides an energy-saving alternative to luminaires that use halogen lamps.

Not only that but as the name suggests, this downlight comes with a tri-color option, using a switch at the back to choose between three of the most common colour temperatures. No need to shop around for different bulbs based on your preference, as this light gives you the option of changing it from warm white, daylight and cool white. 

Product Features:

- Osram Compatible - LED Tri -Colour Dimmable Back Switch Downlight - 3000K/4000K/5000K
- Direct connection to AC power supply thanks to integrated control gear
- An energy-saving alternative to luminaires that use halogen lamps
- 36,000 hrs Long life
- 90mm Cutout with IC-4 insulation rating – can be covered by thermal insulation.
- IP44 splash proof
- Kit Includes  LED Downlight with integrated electronic control gear, 1.2-meter flex & plug.

You may be wondering why Colour Temperature is such an important aspect of lighting – the answer being simple. This measurement can drastically change how the atmosphere of a room appears when lit.

• 2500K-3000K  -  Warm White Light gives off a golden glow. It closely mimics the feeling of a candle or firelight.

• 3100K-4500K: Cool White/Neutral White is the middle ground for your choices. This light is neither warm or cold, but rather similar to sunlight. Great for areas such as the kitchen, bathroom, and studies – this is an all-purpose lighting temperature and the safe bet if you’re unsure of warm white. 

• 5000K-6500K: Daylight/White Light this light is very bright and very blue. It could be described as glaringly bright. Often used in commercial settings- from warehouses to offices, to hospitals and other areas where adequate lighting and a high lumen is important. 

GUIDE TO COLOUR TEMPERATURE AND IT’S IMPORTANCE

Every light you buy, whether it’s a Halogen, LED, or even an HID lamp, will have a colour
temperature. This unit is measured in Kelvins (K), where the higher the Kelvin, the whiter the light is. It’s used to describe the hue or ‘temperature’ of a globes light – that is, how warm or cool it appears. All normal globes have a colour temperature, and shouldn’t be confused with RGB coloured lights.

Now, you may be wondering why Colour Temperature is such an important aspect of lighting – the answer being simple. This measurement can drastically change how the atmosphere of a room appear when lit.

The Basics:

While “colour temperature” measures the “warmth” and “coolness” of light, the actual measurement scale is very different from how we measure degrees. The lower the Kelvin, the warmer or more orange the light, and the higher the Kelvin, the bluer.

Warm light gives off an orange or yellow light, while cooler light is blue or even greenish.The middle ground, cool white, which is around the 4000K mark, is a neutral white light.

Certain Kelvin is more common than others, and have a standard name given to them within the lighting industry; you can find some examples on the chart below:

Colour Temperature                            Name
6000K - 6500K                                    Daylight
4000K                                                  Cool White/Neutral White
2,500 - 3000K                                      Warm White

Consider Your Space: 

As mentioned above, the colour temperature of your globe can drastically affect the way your space looks. For example, a cool, blueish light in the living area may make it feel too clinical, while a dull, warm light in the kitchen will make it harder to see. This is because warmer lights tend to have a lower lumen output than your bright daylight globes. Remember Darker colours absorb more light, so it is best to factor this into choosing all your LED light bulbs. Use the examples below to help you decide which colour temperature is best for your space: 

2500K-3000K - Warm White Light gives off a golden glow. It closely mimics the feeling of a candle or firelight. Due to this, it’s best for use in bedrooms and living areas, where a cozy, comforting aesthetic is most appreciated. Because it tends to offer lower illumination, it is also used as accent lighting. It’s also likely to be seen in hotels or restaurants where a warm, welcoming atmosphere is wanted.

3100K-4500K: Cool White/Neutral White is the middle ground for your choices. This light is neither warm or cold, but rather similar to sunlight. Great for areas such as the kitchen, bathroom, and studies – this is an all-purpose lighting temperature and the safe bet if you’re unsure of warm white.

5000K-6500K: Daylight/White Light this light is very bright and very blue. It could be described as glaringly bright. Often used in commercial settings- from warehouses to offices, to hospitals and other areas where adequate lighting and the high lumen is important. This temperature is not recommended for use in a home.

Light online the Lighting Experts with the hottest prices, a most colourful selection, and a massive range of LED globes online

Christmas Sale! The holidays may be over, but the savings aren’t!

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! The holidays may be over, but the savings aren’t!

Buying Guide: Ultraviolet Lights

Ultraviolet Lamps encompass a range of lights that produce Ultraviolet light. As these lights are used in many unrelated industries and applications, with many variables in their output, we’ve created a one-stop guide for helping you identify the best UV Lamp for you.

What is Ultraviolet? 

UV is a light radiation produced by the sun, and you may know of it due to classic Australian ads that talk of its dangers to our skin. Invisible to the human eye, UV travels on a wavelength between visible light and x-rays.

Ultraviolet ranges:

The most important thing to understand when buying UV lamps is the differentiation between the UV subtypes. As ultraviolet light is on a spectrum, it has levels of intensity based off its wavelength. The shorter the wavelength, the more dangerous it is for humans – because while the earth’s atmosphere protects us from all but the long wave UV light, some lamps are made to produce a type that is extremely harmful to the eyes and skin, and shouldn’t be used unless by a professional.

Just knowing the below will help you identify if it’s the right light for you. 

UVA:  Long wave ultra violet light, most commonly known as blacklight or blacklight blue in the lighting industry. These lights often use a filter material which makes the bulb appear violet. UVA is the safest of the UV spectrum.

UVB: Medium-wave, UVB is often used for reptile lights, and speciality tanning lamps.

UVC: Short wave UV, and the most dangerous of the UV subtypes. Used for what is known as germicidal lamps, UVC disrupts DNA and can be used for a range of specialised applications, especially in sterilisation and water purification.

Lamp types:

Black light and Black light blue:

The most recognisable form of UV lighting, Black light and Black light Blue (BL and BLB) can be distinguished by the colour they emit.

Black Light Blue shines as a violet, purple colour, made due to the filter material of the bulb’s glass. Known as Woods glass, these appear almost black when unlit, filtering out most visible light. While not bright, BLB triggers a fluorescence in other colours, causing them to glow. This effect can be useful in a wide variety of applications, including medicine, forensics, detection of counterfeit money, and of course for decorative purposes in night clubs.

Blacklight on the other hand ironically produces a bluer colour than Black Light Blue, and is often used in bug zappers and insect traps. This is due to insect’s ability to see UV light, attracting them. These lights don’t produce the fluorescence that BLB does, so make sure that the UV lamp you’re buying is dark in appearance and tagged with “BLB” if you require that effect.

Black light and black light blue lamps come in two core types: Fluorescent and Mercury Vapor. Below, we’ll go over the difference.

Fluorescent:

Normal fluorescent lamps produce light by sending an electric current through a tube containing argon and a small amount of mercury vapor. When the mercury vapours are excited, they produce UV light, which in turn causes the coating of the lamp to fluoresce or glow.

Fluorescent black light lamps work similarly, but use a phosphor on the inner tube surface which emits UVA radiation instead of visible light, and the dark blue filter coating over the tube.

As Fluorescent lamps already naturally produce more UV than any other light, they are well suited to the BLB and BL applications, and much more effective than incandescent BL and BLB lamps.

Mercury Vapor:

Mercury Vapor BLBs are most commonly used in clubs, concerts, and other large displays where the aim is to create a particular aesthetic through the fluorescent glow caused by the UV, aka the “glow in the dark” effect. Mercury vapor lamps are the most efficient producers of UVA, even more so then fluorescent tubes.

Germicidal Lamps:

While these may look like ordinary tubes, Germicidal Lamps produce the far stronger UVC. They do not have the phosphor coating of BL or BLB, as this absorbs UVC. These tubes have nearly triple the UV output of ordinary fluorescent lamps.

As previously mentioned, this UV type is the most dangerous to come into contact with, and can cause temporary or even permanent blindness and skin conditions if mishandled. For this reason, germicidal lamps are use primarily for specialised areas.

The most common of these is in Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI). This is a method of disinfection that uses UVC to break down and destroy bacteria and other microorganisms at a cellular level. You may see now why it can be so harmful to humans as well. Most often used to purify drinking water, as well as medical equipment and even food.

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PROJECTOR LAMPS

Deluxlite Outdoor Solar LED Wall Light 5W 6000K-6500K on SALE!

Description & Specifications:

Deluxlite Outdoor Solar LED Wall Light 5W 6000K-6500K

- 6000K-6500K Solar
- Solar Panel: Polycrystalline 5.5V
- Lumen: 500 lm
- Battery Type: Lithium Ion 3.7V 4400mAh
- Charging time: 6-8 hours
- Dimension: 300mm x 115mm x 60mm

APPLICATION: Walkways, Fence, Small Solar Billboards, alleyway

Energy Saving	Yes
Watts	5W
Colour Temperature	Daylight/ Cool Daylight 6500K
Bulb Type	LED
Lumen	500 Lm
condition	new
Applications	Walkways, Fence Small Solar Billboards, alleyway
Dimensions	300mm x115mm x 60mm

A Look at Aquarium and Terrarium lighting

Light Online specializes in a range of niche lighting areas, including Aquarium and Reptile lights for your terrariums and tanks. When it comes to aquariums, there is no one correct choice for lighting, as tank size and budget will ultimately play a part on your choice. That being said, lighting can make all the difference in the presentation and colours of your fish – and is essential for reef and coral tanks while Lighting for Terrariums plays a huge role in the health and wellbeing of your reptiles.

Below, we’ll go over the benefits of different light types and what tank types will best benefit from them, a general guide for what to choose that will help you make the best choice for your fish, reptile, or plants.

 

Plant, reef and coral tanks:

Reef tanks with coral and other water plants require proper lighting to thrive and grow, and will help maintain the vivid colours you want to get out of your plants.

Common in reef aquariums are Metal Halide aquarium lights, as they produce an intense light that is well suited to deep tanks, and encourage growth through daylight simulation. The Kando Lite Aquarium Metal Halide is the perfect product for these tank types, creating vivid and rich colours for your coral without the need of filters.

It should be noted that these lamps do run hot, and may require a fan installation to remove heat from the water. As with any setup, finding the balance between the right amount of light for growth, while reducing the risk of algae is important to consider for any Aquarium owner. Many opt to use a mixture Fluorescent and Metal Halide lamps to create the lighting setup and aesthetic they desire.

For those looking for a cooler alternative to a Metal Halide, the Sylvania Coralstar is another specialist lamp for coral tanks, and reproduces the light conditions of a coral reef through actinic blue lighting.

Fish-only tanks:

Lighting is not essential for fish only tanks, but can make all the difference in the presentation and colours of your gilled friends. Consider using a daylight replicating fluorescent such as the Sylvania Daylightstar Fresh Water Aquarium Light, which limits algae growth and accurately highlights the true colours of your fish and plants.

Terrariums:

Lighting for your cold-blooded friends plays a big role in their wellbeing, as heat and UVB and UVA helps facilitate your pet’s growth, appetite and behavior. There are a range of suitable UV bulbs on the market, including the Reptistar Reptilux Lamp, which promotes vitamin D3 production through a high UVB (5%) and UVA (30%). This lamp will also provide enough light to display your reptiles in their true colours.

As well as UV lamps, Basking Lights are also a requirement for any Terrarium set-up. Infra Red bulbs such as the OSRAM Ultra-Vitalux UV Lamp produce very little light on their own, but generate a large amount of heat, as well as UVA, and are perfect for providing heat to nocturnal species such as Ball Pythons. 

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Congratulations to the winners of our first auction!  Lightonline will be holding our next Auction on August 28th, and continuing weekly on Tuesdays from 10-11am.    These auctions are a great opportunity to bid on items at prices far below their retail prices. Register with us to be included in our announcements, reminders, and place bids online. Our auctions will include specialty products such as Industrial Lighting (LED Highbays, LED Corn Lights), LED Smart Lights, LED Downlights, LED Candles, Architectural Lights and more! Don’t miss your chance to snag great products at the best prices, register now!

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